Consultancy for "Certification Advisory Service for Star Aniseed and Cinnamon"

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Country:                 Vietnam
Organisation:           SNV – Netherlands Development Organisation
Project:                  Inclusive Business Accelerator (IBA)
Location:                 Hanoi, Yen Bai and Lang Son provinces
Abstract:                Certification advisory service for star aniseed and cinnamon
Duration:                April - June 2018

I. Background

SNV (www.snvworld.org) is a not-for-profit international development organization. Founded in the Netherlands 50 years ago, we have built a long-term, local presence in 38 of the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organizations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

SNV has been working in Vietnam since 1995. Using market based approaches, SNV is committed to reducing poverty by catalysing environmentally sustainable solutions for the poor in agriculture, energy, water & sanitation, and REDD+.

In Vietnam, SNV manages the Inclusive Business Accelerator program (IBA, https://iba.ventures/). Inclusive business is a strategic, innovative, commercially- viable business initiative, which unlocks entrepreneurial opportunities for low-income markets to engage in the value chain. Inclusive business creates shared value for the businesses, low-income markets and the environment.

IBA is the first one-stop shop in Vietnam for various services needed by businesses which include low-income groups in their operations. We use innovative acceleration models to make the businesses investor-ready. Our scope of services, including Market Intelligence & Opportunity Identification, Business Design & Readiness, Investor – Investee Match making, Impact Measurements & Scalability.

SNV Vietnam is currently supporting a Vietnamese star aniseed and cinnamon manufacturing and exporting enterprise (IBA company) to develop a sustainable and responsible star aniseed and cinnamon value chain. SNV is looking for service providers to provide certification advisory service and auditing/certification service for the company to obtain certifications of food safety management systems according to IFS (International Food Standard) and Kosher standards, and Fairtrade standards for star aniseed and cinnamon.

II. Service description

1.  Work package 1: Certification Advisory Service

SNV is requiring the services of a consultancy company to support IBA company with consultancy service to improve its food safety management systems meeting IFS and Kosher standards and strengthen the capacities of the company and its producer organisations to meet Fairtrade standards. Specifically, the company will undertake the following major tasks:

  • Conduct a baseline study and need assessment to identify gaps at farmer and factory levels to meet requirements of IFS, Kosher and Fairtrade standards and consult on corrective measures; A detailed activity plan will be developed and finalized based on the result of the need assessment study.
  • Counsel IBA company and update existing enterprise internal control system to ensure its compliance with IFS, Kosher, and Fairtrade standards and other related requirements during the consultancy. The internal control system will be revised and updated with the latest requirements of IFS, Kosher, and Fairtrade standards and also explained to company staff and farmers how to put the requirements into practice.
  • Support IBA company’s registration with IFS, Kosher, and Fairtrade certification bodies.
  • Support IBA company and farmers to undertake any corrective actions identified by the audit.
  • Develop a plan with IBA company and farmers to maintain and renew the certificates in subsequent years.

2. Work package 2: Auditing and Certification

SNV is requiring the services of accredited organic certification companies designated for Vietnam to conduct a third party certification assessment and eventually register the company for accreditation in accordance with the regulations and requirements of IFS and/or Kosher standards. Further to the satisfactory audit, provide the necessary certification for IBA company under consideration.

III. Expected outputs and deliverables

1. Work package 1:

  • Baseline study report identifying gaps in production conditions and recommendations to improve current practices to meet IFS, Kosher, and Fairtrade standards for star aniseed and cinnamon.
  • A detailed certification consultancy plan.
  • Update IBA company’s existing internal control system to comply with requirements of IFS, Kosher, and Fairtrade standards for star aniseed and cinnamon.
  • Arrange audit and certification with IFS and Kosher certification bodies and support IBA company to undertake any corrective actions identified by the audit; and
  • Action plan and guidelines for IBA company and farmers to maintain and renew the certificates in subsequent years

2. Work package 2:

  • Audit and eventual certifications upon satisfaction of compliance with the relevant standards

III. Qualifications, skills and experience required:

Required expertise and qualification for internal and external auditors

  • University degree in the area of Agriculture or other related fields;
  • Hands on experience in conducting internal inspection for certifications;
  • At least 5 years of experience in agriculture inspection and audits;
  • Thorough knowledge of IFS, KOSHER, organic, and Fairtrade standards implementation;
  • Experience in training report writing;
  • Experience in working with local people in spices sector will be an advantage

Corporate competencies:

  • Former experience in undertaking IFS, KOSHER, organic, and Fairtrade audit and certification services;
  • The company interested to provide the required service work package 2 must be  a globally recognized certification body, with accreditation for undertaking audit and certification services, at least, in accordance with the above mentioned regulations and requirements.

IV. How to apply:

Qualified and interested service providers are hereby requested to apply. Applications should consist of the following:

  • Updated  profile  of  company/organization  with CV(s)  of  the  proposed  expert(s)
  • Financial proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs.
  • Technical proposal and methodology on how the work package(s) will be done

Email to [email protected] by 17.00 hrs. 12th April 2018 or by post to SNV Netherlands Development Organization

Address: 3rd Floor, Building D, La Thanh Hotel,
218 Doi Can Street, Ba Dinh Ha Noi, Viet Nam;
Tel:              84-24 38463791 
Fax:             84-24 38463794

Job Details
Organisation Name: 
SNV
Application Deadline: 
Thu, 2018-04-12